Boyd Holbrook makes his first appearance in RARE PLUS by providing an alternate view of a classic tale of deceitfulness in Iscariot. The well-known biblical tale of Judas Iscariot betraying Jesus, which ultimately led to the crucifixion of the latter and the suicide of the former, has been turned on its head in recent years since the release of the lost Gospel of Judas. Holbrook captures the vulnerability and inner conflict of Judas by re-imagining him as a nine year old boy covered in flowers and bees while Jesus, sans gruesome imagery of torture and crucifixion, is depicted in a calming bubble bath. He is at peace with the compliance of his friend in their covert plan to realize his prophecy. History and metaphor intertwine yet again as a tree in the background provides shade for Jesus and alludes to Judas’ demise.

Born in Prestonburg, Kentucky, Holbrook makes his home in New York where he has studied acting, filmmaking, and cinematography, producing five short films and turning out a screenplay entitled “Uncle Sam.” Director Gus Van Zant cast him in his movie, Milk, based on the life of San Francisco city supervisor and gay rights activist Harvey Milk. Holbrook recently spent three weeks filming on the San Francisco set with fellow actors Sean Penn, James Franco, and Emile Hirsch.